Five Garner CSC Academic All-District Laurels

Oskaloosa--Five William Penn softball players were honored for strong 2025 seasons in and out of the classroom as they earned academic all-district honors from College Sports Communicators Tuesday.

The trio of Laila Smith (So., Olympia, Wash., Elementary Education), Tori Smith (So., Olympia, Wash., Secondary Education), and Madie Anderson (Sr., Mount Pleasant, Iowa, Elementary Education) paced the group with 4.00 Grade Point Averages at the conclusion of the spring semester.

Laila Pelds (Sr., Pleasant Hill, Iowa, Elementary Education) was next at 3.94, while Chelsey Huff (Sr., Douds, Iowa, Exercise Science) also met the mark at 3.80.

Laila Smith finished her 2025 campaign with a team-best .382 batting average that included 10 doubles and team highs in home runs (13), RBIs (45), and runs (33).  She also drew 27 walks to top WPU.

Tori Smith hit .326 on the year with a squad-best 15 doubles in addition to three home runs, 22 RBIs, and 19 runs.  The sophomore also went 4-2 as a pitcher with a 1.95 Earned Run Average in 32 1/3 innings.  She struck out 26 batters and walked 10.

Anderson posted a 12-8 record with a 2.35 ERA.  In 128 innings of work, the senior tallied 124 strikeouts (20 walks).

Pelds managed a .303 batting clip with five doubles, one home run, 24 RBIs, and 10 runs.

Huff ended up 11-10 as a pitcher with a 3.19 ERA in 144 2/3 innings.  The senior struck out 188 and walked 47.  As a hitter, she recorded a .277 mark with six doubles, one triple, one home run, 26 RBIs, and nine runs.

The award combines both athletic and academic achievements.  To be eligible for the award, individuals must be at least a sophomore academically and athletically, have been enrolled at the nominating institution for one year (transfers use grades from their previous institution), and have a 3.50 Grade Point Average.

Additionally, for softball, position players must have competed in at least 90% of their team's games played OR have started at least 66% of the total number of team games played.  For pitchers, they are required to have pitched 35-plus innings or appeared in 17 games as a pitcher.

To view the complete NAIA academic all-district list, click HERE